Advanced Jazz Ensemble
The IGH Middle School Advanced Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular performing group that studies and plays music of Jazz, Rock, and Latin styles. Participating students also receive an introduction to jazz improvisation. This group is composed of mostly 8th and 7th grade band students and has a limited instrumentation consisting of seven saxophones, five trumpets, four trombones/baritones, one guitar, one bass guitar, two keyboardists, and two drum set players. Membership will be determined by audition in early October.
Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday afternoon from 4:00-5:00 P.M. Starting in late October and concluding in May. The Advanced Jazz Ensemble has scheduled concerts in December and May. Other performance opportunities may occur throughout the school year.
Students participating in this ensemble will be required to purchase the Chop-Monster 1 Jazz Language Tutor method book composed by Shelly Berg and Published by Alfred Music.
Jam Band
The IGH Jam Band is an extracurricular opportunity where students are introduced to the basic techniques of jazz rhythms, articulations, improvisation, listening, and small ensemble playing. The Jam Band is open to any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student who plays the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, piano, guitar, bass guitar, or drum set. Interested students should be able to play in tune and be beyond the beginner stage of playing their instrument. Other musicians are invited to sit in with us including Simley band students, Advanced Jazz Ensemble members, teachers, and parents.
Rehearsals are held after school on Wednesdays from 2:40-3:40 P.M. Starting in late October and concluding in late May. There are no rehearsals the days of parent-teacher conferences. There is no fee for this activity. Students are provided with music and a jazz book with two CDs. The books must be returned at the end of the school year. If books or CDs are lost or damaged, the student will be responsible for the replacement cost.
It is expected that students involved with after school sports and other activities will not be able to attend every Jam Band rehearsals. Students are encouraged to attend as many rehearsals as they can. Students must attend a minimum of five rehearsals to perform in the May concert.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact:
Lara Dietrich
Jazz Director
651-306-7440
dietricl@invergrove.k12.mn.us